By Emily Norman
A Greytown retailer says she is “terribly embarrassed” by negative attitudes surrounding the arrival of The Warehouse’s pop-up store in town.
Sue Wright of 2 Short Whites cafe in Greytown enjoyed a “big spend up” at the pop-up store yesterday, offering up an apology to staff on behalf of Greytown people.
When some retailers and residents caught wind of the store’s opening, they said the chain store did not “fit in” with Greytown’s branding of a “quality and distinctive shopping destination”.
“I was terribly embarrassed about that,” Mrs Wright said.
“I’ve lived in Greytown for 30-odd years, and a lot of people have, and that does not reflect the general view at all.”
Mrs Wright said the “attitude” towards The Warehouse’s arrival in town sat “really badly” with her.
“New shops can only bring more people in, and most people in Greytown would agree that it’s a wonderful thing.
“What’s worse than having a shop empty?”
The pop-up store opened at 10am yesterday, selling seasonal goods like gardening products, camping gear, fans, and paddling pools and accessories.
“I had a spend up there,” Mrs Wright said.
“My big plastic containers at the cafe were cracked, and so for a very reasonable price I got two fabulous big plastic containers.
“It saved me a trip up to Masterton, and there were friendly lovely retailers.
“The place is great – it’s not selling anything that anyone around here sells, and good on them, is what I say.”
The pop-up store, located at the northern end of the town near The Grove & JT’s BBQ will remain there until January 2.
Thanks Sue for some sanity around Greytown retail. I too had a spend up – on compost and other practical garden related items that I don’t believe I can buy anywhere else in Greytown. However I’ve copped some flack.